Prince Albert: EC's Geniviva closes with two birdies against Riverside

Monday

Sep 17, 2007 at 12:01 AM

By Randy Senior

ELLWOOD CITY - Albert Geniviva had every reason in the world to be down. Instead, he elevated his game, an intangible normally expected of a senior.

Geniviva survived a four-putt on No. 10 to record birdies on the 17th and 18th holes and shoot a 39 to pace the Lincoln High School boys' golf team to a 211-220 triumph against Riverside Monday afternoon on the back nine at Del-Mar Golf Course.

"I was hitting the ball pretty well, but I wasn't putting," Geniviva said. "I had to realize I still had a lot of holes to play. I pulled it together on the last two holes."

"What a comeback," Ellwood City coach Sam Barry Jr. said of Geniviva's round. "He told me he didn't think he was playing to his capability. But he was certainly doing things right down the stretch."

Geniviva's 39 was followed by these scores: Anthony Varrati, 41; Stephen Johns, 42; David Marshall, 44; and Rory Stewart, 45.

"It's always tough against Riverside," Barry added. "When we were writing down the early scores, it looked like a dead heat. But we were up five strokes and we just had to hold on."

"We had a chance," Riverside coach Bob Nathan said. "We're capable of shooting a 211. They posted that score. We didn't. But we missed some short putts. We missed some 4-footers and I watched Dexter Boots have at least three putts that were cruel rim-outs."

Nathan also said that Newstrom and Marion, two of his top players, suffered double bogeys on the 18th.

"We could have made up some shots," Nathan added. "Luke (Newstrom) and Mason (Marion) both played their best for eight holes anyway. And Dexter (Boots) gives me everything he has. I appreciate someone who wants the game of golf so badly."

All Albert Geniviva wanted was a chance at redemption. He earned it on Monday afternoon.